Nursing - Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) MS

Print Degree Planner (opens a new window) |

Description of Program

The focus of the Graduate Programs in Nursing is to prepare graduates to work throughout the healthcare delivery system as nurse educators, healthcare organization leaders, and advanced practice registered nurses with the goal of improving health of individuals, families, and communities.

Graduates of the MS programs are prepared for a variety of advanced nursing roles (e.g. nurse educators, nurse leaders, nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists). These graduates also have the foundation for continued graduate studies (i.e. DNP or PhD). Graduates of the DNP program are prepared for the highest level of clinical nursing practice.

Nursing science core courses, taken by all graduate students, build on students’ baccalaureate nursing knowledge to integrate scientific underpinnings for practice, understand nursing information management and decision making, and advocate for health promotion. Students develop evidence-based knowledge and skills to enhance the quality and safety of health care while demonstrating leadership and professionalism. Courses within the selected programs of Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist, Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Nurse Educator, or Nursing and Organizational Leadership provide specialized knowledge and practice opportunities in each advanced nursing role. A unique feature of this program is the targeted emphasis on the nurse’s use of advanced knowledge and skills of health promotion with individuals and families in diverse populations to address health care needs within complex environments.

Family Nurse Practitioner

Students who elect the Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) program are prepared to perform an expanded nursing role as primary health care providers. In addition to the nursing science core courses and the direct care core courses, content includes comprehensive assessment of the health status of adults, children and families; diagnosis and management of common acute and chronic health problems; provision of counseling and teaching in areas of health promotion and disease prevention; and collaboration with other health professionals. Clinical practicums are under the supervision of qualified nurse practitioners or other primary care provider preceptors will focus on primary health care in a variety of settings. Graduates with the M.S. award are eligible to take the American Nursing Credentialing Center’s (ANCC) or the American Academy of Nurse Practitioner Certification Program’s (AANPCP) national board certification FNP exams.

In 2007, WSU was selected for the “Outstanding Faculty Practice Award” from the National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties (NONPF).

Nursing Science Core Courses

NURS 600 - Scientific and Ethical Foundations (4 S.H.)
STAT 601 - Statistical Methods for Health Care Research (3 S.H.)
NURS 604 - Health Policy and Quality Health Care Delivery (3 S.H.)
NURS 606 - Nursing Information Management & Decision Making (3 S.H.)
NURS 608 - Organizational and Systems Leadership (3 S.H.)
NURS 612 - Advanced Health Promotion for Families (3 S.H.)
NURS 613 - Advanced Health Promotion for Families Clinical (1 S.H.)
NURS 614 - Evidence-Based Practice (3 S.H.)
NURS 615 - Evidence-Based Practice Project/Thesis Seminar (2 S.H.)

Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)

NURS 616 - Molecular, Genetic and Immune Mechanisms in Disease (3 S.H.)
NURS 617 - Advanced Clinical Pharmacology (3 S.H.)
NURS 618 - Advanced Pathophysiology (2 S.H.)
NURS 619 - Advanced Health Assessment (3 S.H.)
NURS 640 - Primary Care of Adult and Gerontology Clients (3 S.H.)
NURS 641 - Primary Health Care Clinical I (2 S.H. A/GNP) (3 S.H. FNP)
NURS 642 - Primary Care of Children I (2 S.H. FNP Only)
NURS 643 - Primary Care Clinical II (3 S.H. A/GNP) (4 S.H. FNP)
NURS 644 - Primary Care of Adult and Gerontology Clients II (3 S.H.)
NURS 645 - Primary Care Internship (3 S.H.)
NURS 646 - Primary Care of Children II (2 S.H.)

Total Credits: 56 S.H.

Clinical hours: (1 clinical credit = 60 hours of contact time)

Family Nurse Practitioner: 660 Clinical Hours